Last Name Zarabozo

The surname Zarabozo is of Spanish origin, specifically from the region of Galicia. It is derived from the place name "Sarabosa," which appears in various forms in historical records from the region. The word "Sarabosa" itself comes from Arabic and means "little Saragossa," referring to the city of Zaragoza, an important urban center during the Moorish occupation of Iberia (now Spain). Over time, as families moved and settled in different areas, variations of this surname emerged, with Zarabozo being one such variant.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zarabozo

The meaning and origin of the last name Zarabozo

The surname Zarabozo is of Spanish origin, derived from the Arabic "Zaraboss" or "Zarabos", which translates to "red-haired" in English. This name emerged during the Moorish occupation of Spain (711-1492 AD), where many place names and personal names were adopted into the Spanish language due to the cultural influence of the Arab invaders. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of this surname have undergone various changes in different regions of Spain, resulting in the multiple variations found today (e.g., Zarabozo, Zarabossa, Zarabos, etc.). The Zarabozo family name is most prevalent in the regions of Andalusia and Extremadura, reflecting the historical influence of Arabic culture in these areas.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zarabozo

The last name Zarabozo is predominantly found in the Philippines, particularly in the Visayas region, specifically in the provinces of Cebu, Leyte, and Negros Oriental. It is also present in smaller numbers in other parts of the Philippines, such as Luzon and Mindanao. The name is believed to have originated from the town of Zaragoza in Northern Iloilo, Visayas. Migration patterns over the centuries have led to the dispersal of individuals bearing this surname across various parts of the country, as well as to other nations with significant Filipino populations, such as the United States and Canada. In these diasporic communities, the frequency of the name Zarabozo may vary.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zarabozo

The surname Zarabozo has several variations and spellings. These include:

1. Sarabossa - This is an Italian variant of the name, where the 'z' is replaced with 'ss'.
2. Zarabosco - Another Italian variation, with the addition of a final 'o' at the end.
3. Zaraboso - A Spanish spelling, where the 'z' in the middle is pronounced like the 'c' in the English word "cent" and followed by an 'o'.
4. Zarabozo (pronounced as Za-ra-bo-zo) - The original Basque name, where the first syllable emphasizes the 'a', and the last syllable has a long 'o' sound.
5. Sarabosso - This variation can be found among speakers of Portuguese, where the final 'o' is pronounced with a nasal sound.
6. Zarabossi - An Italian plural form of the surname.
7. Sarabossi - Similar to the plural version but in Spanish, indicating multiple individuals bearing the name.
8. Sarabossa-Zarabozo - A double surname, where two branches or generations of the family have combined their names.

Famous people with the last name Zarabozo

The Zarabozo family has produced notable figures across various fields, primarily in the realms of entertainment and politics. In music, one of the most prominent members is Jose Feliciano Zarabozo, an American singer-songwriter who gained international fame for his distinctive guitar technique and soulful voice, particularly with his rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. In politics, Carlos A. Zarabozo served as the Mayor of Bayamón, Puerto Rico, from 2001 to 2005 and again from 2013 until his death in 2017. Additionally, there is actress Liza Zarabozo, best known for her role as Mimi Marquez on the TV show "Saved by the Bell." These individuals exemplify the diverse talents and accomplishments within the Zarabozo family.

Genealogical research on the last name Zarabozo

The surname Zarabozo originates from Spain, specifically the region of Asturias, where it is believed to have been first used during the late Middle Ages. The name is thought to be derived from a geographical location or a specific occupation in the area, with possible variations such as Sarabossa and Zarabosa also found.

Over time, the Zarabozo family migrated to other parts of Spain, and later to South America, particularly Colombia, where the name is now most commonly found. In these regions, the name has produced several notable figures. For example, in Colombia, the Zarabozo family is known for their contributions to politics, education, and business.

Research continues to uncover more about the history and origins of the Zarabozo surname, shedding light on its rich heritage and the fascinating journey of its bearers over centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Zarabozo"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 13 June 2025

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